Hurricane Supply Checklist

Continuing Education—July 2013

Hurricane Preparedness

In November 2007 Carol Weiner-Bissel spoke about preparing hospice families for the end of life, what she calls “hurricane season.” “If you live in a hurricane zone, you prepare for hurricane season,” says Carol. And Carol’s job is to anticipate the worrisome conditions that might be part of the patient’s future and to help the patient and family prepare for them. With knowledge, a plan, supplies, and resources—support in many ways—the patient moves through the season with fewer physical and environmental concerns and more time to focus on the important tasks only he or she can accomplish. “If you don’t have to use the plan, there’s no loss, but it’s better to have it if you need it.”

While Carol’s explanation was metaphoric, we are now, all of us, living in a hurricane zone in hurricane season. And it is time or past time to make preparations that we hope we won’t need.

In anticipation of the 2013 hurricane season (June 1-November 30), weather researchers from NC State University have predicted that we will likely experience an active season this year. In the first full week of June Tropical Storm Andrea drenched our area, causing isolated flooding and evacuations. If the predictions hold, we are apt to experience storms as far down the list as Melissa or Rebekah.

ENTIRE ATLANTIC BASIN (including Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico)

PREDICTED / AVERAGE
NAMED STORMS / 13-17 / 10.8
HURRICANES / 7-10 / 6.3
MAJOR HURRICANES / 3-6 / 2.7

Part of your planning for hurricane season likely includes a supply kit to cover you, your family and pets in case of power outages or evacuations for several days or weeks. Even if you usually leave things to the last minute on the assumption that “that won’t happen here,” put the attached Hurricane Supply Check List on the refrigerator so you can find it when you rush out to the grocery and hardware stores with the rest of the last minute shoppers. At least you’ll know what you’re looking for.

Hunker down and stay safe!

Please take all the precautions necessary to prepare and protect yourself and your family in the case of a hurricane. Gather supplies, be prepared to evacuate, and stay tuned to your local news sources for weather updates. Sources for preparation checklists include (this site also has information about a free hurricane app for your smart phone), and If bad weather threatens a planned visit with your patient or a trip to work a shift at the inpatient unit or the central office, put your safety first and postpone the trip.

Hurricane Supply Check List

From

Putting together a hurricane "survival kit"? Here are three-day and 14-day checklists of items you'll want to include.

Three-day supply kit

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather the following items and place them in your kit:

•Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Fill plastic containers, such as soft-drink bottles.

•Water purification kit or bleach (use eight drops of regular bleach per gallon of water)

•Essential medications

•First-aid book and kit that includes:

20 emergency bandages of various sizes
One 5 x 9 sterile dressing
One roll of self-adhering elastic bandage
Four various-sized sterile gauze pads
One roll of 3-inch cohesive bandage
Waterless alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes
Medical grade non-latex gloves
Adhesive tape, 2-inch width
Anti-bacterial ointment
Cold pack
Small scissors
Tweezers
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers)

•Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals, fruits and vegetables, canned or box juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, bread and any special dietary items you and your family need.

•Manual can opener

•Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices

•Food, water, leash and carrier for pets (If you plan to go to a shelter, remember that most do not allow pets. Make other plans for your pets.)

•Sanitary Items:

Large, plastic trash bags for waste and to use as tarps and rain ponchos
Large trash cans
Towelettes
Bar soap and liquid detergent
Shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene supplies
Toilet paper
Household bleach for cleaning
Rubber gloves

•Blanket or sleeping bag per person

•Battery-powered, portable radio or portable TV and plenty of extra batteries

•Flashlight and extra batteries

•Extra pair of eyeglasses

•Extra house and car keys

•Fire extinguisher (ABC-type)

•Cash and change

•Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

14-Day Supply Kit

The experiences of Hurricanes Hugo, Bertha and Fran have taught North Carolinians to be prepared to live without utilities and basic services for two weeks or more. In addition to the three-day supply kit, these supplies will be good to have if you find yourself going 14 days at home without electricity or running water:

•Disposable plates, cups, utensils

•Plastic garbage bags

•Mosquito repellent

•Cooler

•Ice

•Toiletries

•Detergent for dishes and clothes

•Clothesline and clothespins

•Games, such as cards, and quiet toys

•Duct and masking tape

•Rolls of plastic

•Lantern and fuel (not candles)

•Gloves and goggles

•Small tools

•Cleaning supplies

•Brooms and mops

•Pails and buckets

•Ladders

•Plywood and nails

•Rakes and shovels

•Chain saw, gas and oil

•Wheelbarrow

•Battery-operated clock

•Butane lighter or matches

•Axes, hatchets, pruners

•Rope

Prepare your paperwork

Start with a portable, waterproof (airtight) bag that's brightly colored, so you can quickly find it in the dark. Diving equipment shops stock the ideal bag, but gallon-sized or larger zip-lock bags will do in a pinch.

Print this checklist and keep it inside your waterproof bag to help you collect the items listed below:

•Driver's License or Photo ID

•Emergency Contact List or Address Book (even if contacts are stored in a smart phone)

•Insurance Policies (health, home, auto)

•Vital Documents: Birth Certificates, Passports, Wills

•Bank Account Information (account numbers, passwords)

•Photocopy of Credit and Debit cards (front and back)

•Stock Certificates, Investment Information

•Extra Keys (home, safe deposit box, office and car)

Remember: When packing, be realistic about what you can carry. Pack only what is essential for surviving the storm and its aftermath.

Don't forget to hurricane-proof your digital information. Backing up to a portable hard drive leaves you open to the same storm-related dangers your computer faces. Cloud-based backup preserves your data and grants you secure access from anywhere.